Plot Shape & Conflict

Plot Shape & Conflict

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Monday, December 5, 13

Plot

Plot is the literary element that describes the structure of a story. It shows arrangement of events and actions within a story.


Exposition: the start of the story, the situation before the action starts

Rising Action: the series of conflicts and crisis in the story that lead to the climax

Climax: the turning point, the most intense moment—either mentally or in action

Falling Action: all of the action which follows the climax

Resolution: the conclusion, the tying together of all of the threads

Plot Components


Plot: Conflict Conflict is the dramatic struggle

between two forces in a story. Without conflict, there is no plot.


Types of Conflict

Character vs Nature

Character vs Society

Character vs Self

Character vs Character


Character vs. Character Conflict

This type of conflict finds the main character in conflict with another character, human or not human.

“The new one is the most beautiful of all; he is so young and pretty.” And the old swans bowed their heads before him.

Then he felt quite ashamed, and hid his head under his wing; for he did not know what to do, he was so happy, and yet not at all proud. He had been persecuted and despised for his ugliness, and now he heard them say he was the most beautiful of all the birds.

The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Anderson


Character vs. Nature ConflictThis type of conflict finds the main character in conflict with the forces of nature, which serve as the antagonist.

It´s a Truffula Seed.It´s the last one of all!

You´re in charge of the last of the Truffula Seeds.And Truffula Trees are what everyone needs.

Plant a new Truffula. Treat it with care.Give it clean water. And feed it fresh air.

Grow a forest. Protect it from axes that hack.Then the Lorax

and all of his friendsmay come back.

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss


Character vs. Society ConflictThis type of conflict has the main character in conflict with a larger group: a community, society, culture, etc.

“I’m tired of living in a hole,” said Jenny.“Let’s fight for freedom!” cried Bouncer. “We’ll be soldiers! Rough-riding Rowdies! I’ll be the general and commander-in-chief!”

The Island of the Skog by Steven Kellogg


Character vs. Self Conflict

In this type of conflict, the main character experiences some kind of inner conflict.

Finally, Sam’s father said, “Go to bed now. But before you go to sleep, Sam, tell yourself the difference between REAL and MOONSHINE.”

Sam, Bangs & Moonshine by Evaline Ness


Character vs. Technology

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This type of conflict has the main character in conflict with a technology: man creates a technology.

The movies Blade Runner, The Terminator, and The Matrix.

For books, think of Frankenstein...


Character vs. Fate/Destiny

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This has the character in conflict with their fate/destiny. It is presented in which man can’t change his fate or destiny, but can make choices that shape their future for more desirable results.

The movies Premonition and Final Destination are the best examples of character vs. their fate or destiny.


Plot Shape & Conflict

Entertainment & Humor

Transcript of Plot Shape & Conflict